EXECUTIVE ORDER KBB 05-21

The Hudson Initiative

WHEREAS, pursuant to Act No. 440 of the 2005 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, the Louisiana Initiative for Small Entrepreneurship (hereafter "The Hudson Initiative") was established to facilitate the growth and stability of Louisiana's economy by fostering utilization by state interests of the business offerings available for state procurement and public contracts from Louisiana's small entrepreneurship;

WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation and Development has served as a model for disadvantaged business enterprises by creating an open and transparent process, increasing participation goals on construction projects, and addressing the level of fairness and equality in consultant selections;

WHEREAS, an inclusive economic development initiative for all state agencies aimed at developing and enhancing opportunities for small and emerging businesses will successfully promote the state goal of wealth creation and poverty reduction; and

WHEREAS, the success of small and emerging businesses will ultimately enhance the stability of Louisiana's economy by providing opportunities for self-sufficiency, wealth creation, retention, and job growth; and

WHEREAS, the interest of the citizens of the state of Louisiana would best be served by the expansion of business development programs that will encourage the continued growth of small and emerging business;

NOW THEREFORE I, KATHLEEN BABINEAUX BLANCO, Governor of the state of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and laws of the state of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct consistently with Act No. 440 of the 2005 Regular Session of Louisiana Legislature as follows:

SECTION 1: All departments, commissions, boards, offices, entities, agencies, and offices of the state of Louisiana, or any political subdivision thereof, shall include small and emerging businesses in the business offerings available for state procurement and public contracts.

SECTION 2: All departments, commissions, boards, offices, entities, agencies, and officers of the state of Louisiana, or any political subdivision thereof, are authorized and directed to cooperate with implementation the provisions of this Order.

SECTION 3: This Order is effective upon signature and shall continue in effect until amended, modified, terminated, or rescinded by the governor, or terminated by operation of law.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the state of Louisiana, at the Capitol, in the city of Baton Rouge, on this 28th day of July, 2005.